School board considers junior high football compromise

Parents may be the most valuable player if football is added to the lineup of sports at Baldwin Junior High School.

Board members agreed Monday night that junior high boys need the opportunity for an after school activity in the fall. They also agreed the districts couldn't fund the program. Baldwin and Wellsville are the only two schools in the Frontier League without a junior high football program.

District activities director Roger O'Neil said it would cost about $20,000 to start the sport, based on 50 players. The figure includes salaries for four coaches.

"I think we need junior high football," O'Neil said. "I suggest if we add it, we add it a year from now in 2001."

Dale Enick, representing the Baldwin youth football association, said there is parent and community interest in contributing to the start-up costs of the program.

Supt. James White suggested the district pay for the salaries of the coaches and ask the parents group to raise 100 percent of other expenses about $14,000. White suggested lowering what the group contributes the second and following years.

"We have discussed for several years that junior high boys need something to do in the fall session," said board president Ed Schulte.

White will meet with parents from the football association about funding options, and the issue could be brought to a vote at the May 8 board meeting.